Habitat Conservation Projects-Washington Wildlife and Recreation Grant Program

Habitat Conservation Projects-Washington Wildlife and Recreation Grant Program

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office
Last Updated: February 14, 2026

Summary

The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) offers funding for diverse land conservation projects, from urban habitat protection to the preservation of rare plant species. Established in 1990, the WWRP aims to acquire and develop recreation and habitat lands to serve a growing population. Grants require a 50% match from local agencies and nonprofits, with specific funding caps based on project type, ensuring that vital ecosystems and recreational spaces are preserved for future generations.

Overview

Note: Plans establishing grants eligibility is due by the 'Pre-Proposal' deadline above. Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program provides funding for a broad range of land conservation efforts, from conserving natural areas near big cities to protecting the most pristine and unique collections of plants in the state, including some of last remaining plant species in the world. The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program was envisioned as a way for the state to accomplish two goals: Acquire valuable recreation and habitat lands before they were lost to other uses and develop recreation areas for a growing population. This landmark legislation passed in 1990 and the grant program's continued funding have come about through the support of governors, the Legislature, and groups such as the many organizations comprising the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition. Grant Limits Critical Habitat - None Natural Areas - None Riparian Protection - Minimum request of $25,000, no cap. State Lands Restoration and Enhancement - Minimum request of $25,000. Maximum request of $1 million for a single-site project and $500,000 for a multi-site project. Urban Wildlife Habitat - None Match Details Local agencies, special purpose districts, and nonprofits must provide 50 percent match and at least 10 percent of the total project cost must be from a non-state, non-federal contribution. State agencies do not have to provide match. Native American tribes must provide 50 percent match. Match may include the following: Applicant’s labor, equipment, and materials Appropriations or cash Bonds Donations of cash, land, labor, equipment, and materials Other grants Eligible Projects Land Acquisition Acquisition includes the purchase of perpetual interest in real property or non-perpetual interests such as leases and easements. Acquisition of non-perpetual interests must be for at least fifty years and may not be revocable at will. Incidental costs related to acquisition are eligible. The Riparian Protection Category provides funds for acquisition of lease extensions under the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, which must be for a minimum of twenty-five years. Development Benches, tables Interpretive kiosks, signs Paths, roads, parking Restrooms Viewing shelters The State Lands Restoration and Enhancement category also allows for habitat creation and enhancement. The Riparian Protection Category allows for site stewardship plans. Restoration and Enhancement Animal watering stations Ecological restoration Estuary and shoreline restoration Fencing, gates,and signs In-stream habitat such as bank stabilization, channel reconfiguration, and woody materials placement In-stream passage improvements Habitat enhancement such as native plantings and invasive plant removal Removal of structures like bulkheads, dikes, levees, tide gates, and impervious surfaces Site augmentation to establish restoration elements Transplanting and re-vegetation Upland stewardship

Eligibility

We've imported the main document for this grant to give you an overview. You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Who May ApplyCritical Habitat, Riparian Protection, and Urban Wildlife Habitat Categories

Cities, counties, towns  Federally recognized Indian tribes
Nonprofit nature conservancies
Special purpose districts, port districts, or other political subdivisions of the state that provide services to less than the entire state
State agencies (Department of Enterprise Services, Department of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Natural Resources, Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission)
Natural Areas Category

Nonprofit nature conservancies  State agencies (Department of Enterprise Services, Department of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Natural Resources, Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission)
State Lands Restoration and Enhancement Category

State agencies (Department of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Natural Resources, Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission) Nonprofit nature conservancy corporations or associations must meet the following eligibility requirements: Be registered in the State of Washington as a nonprofit as defined by Revised Code of Washington 84.34.250Consistent with Revised Codes of Washington 24.03.220, 24.03.225, and 24.03.230,  identify a successor organization fully qualified to ensure management continuity of any WWRP grants received by the corporation or association.Demonstrate at least 3 years of actively managing projects relevant to the types of projects eligible for funding in the applicable WWRP category. “Actively managing projects” means performing the tasks necessary to manage an on-the-ground riparian project, such as negotiating for acquisition of property rights, closing on an acquisition, developing and implementing management plans, designing and implementing projects, securing and managing the necessary funds regardless of fund source, and other tasks.

Ineligibility

Ineligible Projects: Animal species introduction or propagation, other than biological controls for invasive species, etc. Concessionaire buildings Cost not directly related to implementing the project such as indirect and overhead charges Environmental cleanup of illegal activities, such as the removal of derelict vessels, trash, or meth labs Wildlife production facilities such as fish hatcheries Indoor facilities such as community centers, environmental education or learning centers, gyms, swimming and therapy pools, and covered ice-skating rinks Offices, shops, residences, and meeting and storage rooms Properties acquired via condemnation Specific projects or actions identified as mitigation as part of a habitat conservation plan approved by the federal government for incidental take of endangered or threatened species or other projects identified for habitat mitigation purposes Routine operation and maintenance costs